Rule of Three

Gemini

In ‘Gemini’, sleep is a shared occupation practised by ‘they’, a pair of lovers likened to twins. The prose that depicts their slumber is uttered in drowsy, syncopated syllables, a gibberish dialect that demonstrates the ‘hum and thrum … of their sleep-spell’. A mutual dream pulsates, its rippling rhythm pricked by a mosquito, frenzied in search of flesh on which to feast. The shelter of unconsciousness is compromised, but sexual sanctuary provides consolation. In the waking world, they puzzle out ‘the enigma of the insect which can only be solved with sweat, semen, and blood that were not there before’.

Words by Elizabeth Brown

Enjoy Your Rabbit

An angular electric guitar line fuzzes with distortion, skipping briskly in alternate counts of five and six. The solo instrument is soon joined by a cacophonous ensemble. High-pitched bells ring without respite. Clatters of percussion crash below. The clamour could serve as a simulation of tinnitus, were it not for the insistent rhythmic irregularity. The formula repeats, the tension building as sonic layers are piled on, a synth spiralling upwards as one of the last additions. Then, the composition’s last minute brings with it a sidestepping outro, in which clean chimes and electronic bleeps dominate, as if broadband connection modems in conversation.

Words by John Wadsworth

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth begins with a reimagining of the biblical story. We are told of a mother who, taking cues from Abraham and guidance from God, tries to sacrifice her son. He flees to the basement in hope of safety, but the cellar’s many chambers hold dangers of their own. As Isaac explores, he encounters countless monsters, defending himself only by flinging tears in their direction. His foes are a mishmash of muck-dwelling mutants, appearing as if scatological sketches scrawled with a giggle by the young protagonist. Among his other jumbled finds are pills, cards, themed power-ups, and long-lost household items.

Words by John Wadsworth

More to discover

Gemini: You can read the story on the BOMB Magazine website, and read an interview with the author by Edwin Turner for 3:AM Magazine. S.D. Chrostowska has also discussed her novel, Permission, with Kate Zambreno for BOMB Magazine.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth: You can watch the introduction to the game here, and see a playthrough of the game here.

Today's connection

Gemini is a sign of the zodiac. ‘Enjoy Your Rabbit’ is taken from an album of the same name, on which each track is based on a different animal of the Chinese zodiac. The themed power-ups in The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth are named after Western zodiac signs.